We taste-tested Angry Orchard’s new rosé hard cider, because we're leaning hard into that millennial life

The key to happiness? No idea. But it sounds like it might be a rare red flesh apple from France — and yes, we’re honestly just going by the way these words feel on our tongue. As for how they taste on our tongue? The answer can be found within the Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider we’ve been seeing all over the internet. With its pink hue and fruity flavor, this new cider packs a punch in more ways than one.

Ryan Burk, Head Cider Maker of Angry Orchard, explained,“The rare red flesh apples used in our Rosé not only impart complex flavors but contribute to the cider’s beautiful rosy hue. It’s crisp, refreshing, and unlike any other style we have crafted.” Keeping this — and the fact that Angry Orchard’s Rosé cider is the 2018 Kentucky Derby’s official hard cider — in mind, we wanted to experience this quickly-popular pink drink for ourselves.

Dan Magro — Executive Producer of Editorial Video

“It’s no secret around the office that I LOVE to enjoy an adult beverage. My hobby for home bartending has allowed me to expand my boozy knowledge immensely, so naturally I was very excited to give Angry Orchard’s Rosé hard cider a sip!

By default, I lean savory over sweet any day, which is why the only Angry Orchard I drink is their ‘stone dry’ variety. Upon my first sip of rosé cider, I was met with a tart, crisp bite, which was much brighter and less sweet than I was expecting. It tasted almost like a happy medium between their stone dry and sweeter ciders. The sour apple notes tend to make me think of Sour Apple Pucker and green Jolly Ranchers, so it’s not exactly what I was expecting given the rosé branding. If you’re looking for the actual skin contact of grapes from Provence, you should probably just opt for a bottle of the actual wine instead. Here, the term ‘rosé’ is being used as a flavor, instead of a categorizing varietal. But there is one undeniable aspect about this new sipper: it looks very, very pretty.

If you’re looking for something bright, tart, and simple to look good in your next brunchstagram, this is your bottle.”

Stephanie Hallett — Senior Lifestyle Editor

“This cider tastes like if cherry lip gloss and potpourri had a baby. Overly floral, unpleasant to some, but somehow totally, perfectly American in its sugar-to-alcohol-to-trendiness ratio. The bottle also reads ‘made with rare French red flesh apples,’ which sounds like how an aspiring romance novel author might describe a youthful conquest. Yikes, sorry for that image. Blame the cider!”

Nicole Adlman — Senior Editor

“I love me some Angry Orchard, especially on days when I want to feel like I’m drinking beer but actually taste my favorite holiday drink: cider. On the wine end of things, rosé is my fave. Like lame or not, I take ‘rosé all day’ to heart (which isn’t hard to do in Los Angeles). This hard cider is best of both worlds: it has the effervescence and fruitiness of cider paired with the crisp acidity of rosé. I drank it during my Oscars party and felt #fancy while I did so.”

Christina Wolfgram — Video Producer / On-Camera Talent

“Warning!!! This rosé cider is dangerously drinkable. It’s pretty much alcoholic pink soda — gulp gulp gulp. Fans of cider and fans of rosé will unite over its crisp, bubbly, subtly apple taste. My only beef is that this drank is v. sugary, so if you’re like me and get hangovers from just LOOKING at a fun drink, make sure to balance this out with lots of water.”

Christina Wolfgram

Gretchen Cathcart — Assistant Editorial Video Editor

“There’s nothing like having a cold drink after a long day to unwind on the couch. But sometimes you’re not in the mood for a beer and don’t feel like opening a whole bottle of wine. This Rosé Cider by Angry Orchard is the perfect in-between. It’s has a delicate, subtle taste that’s not too sweet but perfect for any time. Also, the pink color is so perfect for the spring and summer. I can’t wait to make it my go-to accessory at cookouts, by the pool, or really wherever it’s allowed.”

Lindsey Sirera — The Pretty Producer/Script Writer

“Let me just start out by saying I studied abroad in London for a semester, so I’m *basically* an expert in all things cider (LOL). But in all seriousness, I have tried a lot of ciders in my day. In my opinion, if you like a super-sweet, tangy cider that is also highly Instagram-friendly, then this is going to be your best friend. Especially if actual rosé is not your thing, but you still want to sip on something pink (no judgement!). This is basically just your regular Angry Orchard Cider, but infinitely better…because it’s pink.”

Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider (5.5% ABV) is available nationwide in 6-packs for a suggested retail price of $7.99-9.99 and 12-pack variety packs for $14.99-16.99. To find where Angry Orchard hard cider is available near you, visit the cider finder.

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